===================================================
How To Break 80 Newsletter

May 14, 2008

"The Web's Most Popular Golf Improvement Newsletter"
===================================================

In this issue we'll discuss...

1) Putting Basics: Jack's Way
2) Four Tips On Hitting the Fairway
3) Question of the Week - Spread Your Feet For Stability
4) Article - Hitting Driver, 3W, 3I
5) Article - Website Scores Big With Golfers

===================================================
1) Putting Basics: Jack's Way
===================================================
Jack Nicklaus was unique. In addition to being among the all-time greatest golfers, he was also one of its most unorthodox. He did a lot of things differently than what is recommended by traditional wisdom. Nowhere was Jack more unorthodox—or more successful— than in the way he putted.

Here are five tips on putting Jack's way:

1. Open your stance slightly
2. Keep your head behind the ball
3. Visualize the ball going in
4. Hit the ball on the upswing
5. Rest your elbow against your side

Jack set his feet open to the target line when putting. He felt this set-up gave him a better look at the hole and kept his eyes on the target line. He also set his head behind the ball and the shaft tilted slightly forward. And he set his back shoulder lower than his front shoulder, which resembled his driving stance.

Jack putted the ball only after he visualized it dropping in. He used his arms and forearms not his shoulders to putt. As he got older and the greens got faster, he putted more with his forearms than his hands, taking the putter back low to the ground. And since his putter was tilted slightly forward at impact, Jack putted the ball on the upswing.

In addition, Jack kept his right elbow and arm tucked against his right side when putting. He had a slight "pop" to his stroke, with the through-stroke often shorter than the backstroke. Because of his unusual set-up, his putterhead worked low to high, not the other way around. Jack liked to use the putterhead to control the ball.

If you've soured on your putting style, try Jack's approach. While it may not be consistent with what teaching pros recommend, you can't argue with its results as far as Jack's concerned. You never know. It might work for you, too.

===================================================
2) Four Tips On Hitting the Fairway
===================================================
Smart golf is about creating opportunities for oneself. If the first shot doesn't set you up for the next shot, then you aren't playing smart golf Better to have a longer shot from the fairway, than a shorter shot from deep rough. What's more, driving the fairway provides an opportunity to hit the green in regulation, increasing your chances of paring or birding the hole.

Below are four tips on driving the fairway:

1. Slice proof your grip
2. Check your heels for aim
3. Swing it wide
4. Maintain your tempo

Before stepping to the tee, check your grip. Make sure grip it isn't weak. If it is, make adjustments. Grip the club first with the fingers of your left hand (right hand for left-handers), and then add your right hand. This exercise slice proofs your grip.

Good alignment is a must. Your feet, hips, and shoulders must be aligned to the target line to hit the fairway. In practice, use a clubshaft placed square to the back of your heels to determine alignment. Then, correct for error. Once your heels are set, align the rest of your body.

Keep your swing arc wide. A wide arc keeps the club on line. On the takeaway, keep the right arm (left for left-handers) as straight as possible by stretching it out. This move helps prevent the club from coming too far inside. Coming down, make sure the club is in front of you, so you can move through the swing together.

Swing all your clubs at the same speed. If you feel yourself speeding up your swing, count 1-2-3 in your head to reclaim a nice smooth tempo and rhythm. Swinging to a count prevents you from whipping the club back and/or rushing it through the hitting zone.

These tips will help you drive the fairway consistently, critical to scoring well. Driving the fairway not only sets you up for your next shot, it also gives you a chance to hit the green in regulation. That, in turn, increases your chances of making par or birdie. That's smart golf.

=====================================================
3) Question of the Week - Spread Your Feet For Stability
=====================================================
Q. Dear Jack, When you read in golf magazines that your feet should be shoulder width apart, is that the outside or the inside of your foot that is in line with the outside of the shoulder? Is that the heel or toe?

Thanks,
Brian

A. Thanks for the question, Brian. I can't speak for the golf magazines. But when I say that a golfer's feet should be about shoulder width apart, I'm generally referring to the inside portion of the player's feet along the arch. In other words, line up the arch of your foot with your shoulders. This position stabilizes your body. Lining up the outside of your foot with your shoulders creates a narrower a stance. That affects stability and encourages sliding, which isn't good for your swing.

Some instructors say that to hit the ball with power you need to widen your stance to a bit beyond shoulder width. A wider stance, they say, provides a solid base from which to drive the ball and affords better balance. Better balance, in turn, enables you to apply more force to the ball.

Keep in mind that these width suggestions are guidelines only. Since everyone is different, you must find a width that works for you. Try experimenting with slightly different widths until you find one that's right for you. Just remember, too wide or too narrow a stance affects your swing.

If you've got a golf question you'd like answered, send an email to us at questions@howtobreak80.com and we'll review it. I can't guarantee that we'll use it but if we do, we'll make sure to include your name and where you're from.

===================================================
If you want to truly discover the secrets of shooting like the Pros and creating a more reliable and consistent swing, check out: http://www.HowToBreak80.com  

Also, for past issues of this newsletter and some of my most recent articles, visit our blog at www.HowToBreak80.com/blog

To view this newsletter online, please visit:
http://www.howtobreak80.com/newsletter05142008.html

Here are some of my recent articles:

4) Article - Hitting Driver, 3W, 3I
http://www.howtobreak80.com/articles/hitting-driver-3w-3i.html

5) Article - Website Scores Big With Golfers
http://www.howtobreak80.com/articles/website-scores-big-with-golfers.html

Until next time,

Go Low!

Jack

P.S. Feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, send a blank email to break80ezine@aweber.com

===================================================
About the Author
===================================================
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.